Autograph Authenticity
First, it is important to be aware that there are many ways to determine whether an autograph is real.÷ Basic screening is easy to apply and involves practical knowledge and common sense.÷ Sophisticated methods can be employed, but these require time and an outlay of money that can be considerable.÷ Your financial outlay may be considerable if you have÷ professional authentication for each and every autograph.÷Your first task is to examine the format of an autograph.÷ An autograph that is out of context can be immediately ruled out as real.÷ For example, a color photograph signed by George Washington is not possible.÷ A first edition biography of Albert Einstein that was published in 1960 and allegedly signed by him is not possible since he passed away in 1955.÷ On the other hand, a contract or other legal document with the proper context, date, and other corroborating information, can provide compelling evidence of authenticity, even if the signature is atypical.÷
Comparing genuine samples of the person"s signatures and handwriting is a simple and practical way to quickly assess an autograph.÷ Exemplars of genuine autographs can be found on various Internet sites.÷ Ideally, a fair assessment requires comparison of signatures from the same time period since autographs tend to change over time.÷ Autograph experts have studied signatures of celebrities such as Walt Disney and Marilyn Monroe, and have noted how their signature pattern changed over the course of time.÷
Autograph authenticity is important for collectors who wish to maintain collections that are genuine and valuable.÷ Using the simple but practical points described in this article will help you identify authentic autographs.